BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Smith Notices a Different Attitude

Baltimore Oriole outfielder Dwight Smith was not intentionally trying to be critical of the Angel organization Friday, and he harbors no ill feelings, but he can’t believe the enormous disparity between the two teams.

“Believe me, there’s a big difference between this team and that one,” Smith said, “and I’m not just talking about the records.

“When we lose a game here, everyone knows why we lost. No one accepts losing. You’ve got to win right now.

“Over there, you don’t feel the same way. It’s a young team, and you always have alibis when you lose. To me, it’s a refreshing change. I’m 30 years old, I’ve got to win right now.”

Smith, who was traded June 14 for a minor league prospect, says his only regret is the Angels gave up on him too soon. He believes he could have helped the Angels stay in contention, but instead lost his platoon job when they made Jim Edmonds the everyday left fielder.

“I don’t have any bitter feelings,” Smith said, “but it hurt. I was looking to be a big part of the organization. I was hoping they’d have patience with me.”

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Smith’s greatest disappointment Friday was being told that the Orioles had the wrong information on the Angels’ starting rotation. Somehow, the Orioles got the impression that Joe Grahe was starting, even though he hasn’t started a game since 1992.

“I came in today doing cartwheels,” Smith said, “not because (Grahe) is a bad pitcher, but because he’s a right-hander.

“Oh well, I’ll sit back and root my team on for three days, and then start pulling for the Angels again. I just want a half-share if they win it.”

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Second baseman Harold Reynolds, who sources say probably will be released if the Angels are unable to trade him by the time they recall Eduardo Perez at the All-Star break, was in the starting lineup instead of Damion Easley.

Although Easley recently was criticized for his lack of discipline at the plate--batting .199 since April 19--Manager Marcel Lachemann said he wanted Reynolds in the lineup because of his career .625 batting average against Oriole starter Mike Mussina.

The Angels have been shopping Reynolds for weeks, but the Seattle Mariners, who previously expressed interest in Reynolds, may now go in a different direction. The Mariners are talking about moving shortstop Felix Fermin to second base at the All-Star break, and bringing up 19-year-old Alex Rodriguez, their No. 1 pick last season, to be their shortstop.

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Designated hitter Chili Davis returned to the lineup after sitting out the last three games with a strained groin, and promptly hit his 14th homer of the season. “He makes a big difference in our lineup, obviously,” Lachemann said. . . . Oriole Manager Johnny Oates was ejected in the fourth inning by home-plate umpire Terry Craft for arguing a called third strike on left fielder Brady Anderson. . . . When catcher Greg Myers threw out Mike Devereaux attempting to steal second in the third inning, it was only the ninth time this season the Orioles have been caught stealing. The Angels, in contrast, lead the major leagues, having been caught stealing 40 times.